Matki Dance is a folk dance of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This folk dance is most popular in the Malwa region. In this folk dance, women perform on the stage wearing colorful costumes on folk songs and beats of dhol. The instruments are played by the men of the tribe. This dance is performed on all happy occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Matki is a Hindi word that means a water pot. These water pots were used by villagers to fetch water from a pond or well. This humble matki is still used in the remote parts of India to fetch the water for homes.
Matki Dance Performance
In matki dance, women wear saris or ghagra decorated with different ornaments. One performer starts solo and in the end, others can join too. Other names or sub-varieties of Matki dance are: “Aada” and “Khada Nach”
The dancers perform in a circular motion while balancing water pots. With all the brisk movements of their hands and feet, they balance Makti very skillfully.
This folk dance is usually practiced at weddings and other important occasions in the malwa region. It needs a lot of practice, patience, and demands colorful ensembles. The dancers wear some beautiful jewelry which makes this dance performance beautiful to look at. The women balance Matki while dancing. Their face is covered with veils. This folk dance is performed both in solo and group.
Delicate balance
Matki Dance is a celebrated folk dance of nomadic tribes of Madhya Pradesh. This dance is all about expressing the happiness and excitement of the tribe. The performers work hard to bring their dance form to such perfection.
Pingback: All Folk Dances of India - Auchitya